Select Local Merchants

Within 93,000 square feet, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores manages to fit all of the state's and most of the world's main aquatic environments into five galleries. A 30-foot waterfall throws a cool mist over guests as they begin a journey that brings them to the Piedmont gallery, where the aquarium's three spunky river otters?Neuse, Pungo, and Eno?frolic and play poker underwater. Further exhibits promise other memorable encounters, such as the Dinosaur Adventure where visitors come face-to-face with the lifelike extinct creatures, and the Tidal Touch Pool where handlers let visitors touch skates, rays, and select invertebrates. At the epicenter lies the ocean gallery, anchored by a 306,000-gallon tank with a 65-foot viewing window. Sand tiger sharks and moray eels swim about the Living Shipwreck exhibit, a replica of a German U-boat that sank off the United States' East Coast in 1942. Behind the glass of another tank, a young loggerhead sea turtle named Nimbus flashes its gold-toothed smile and rare white coloration.
Divers host live shows twice a day in the ocean tank, answering visitors' questions via special equipment. They've also been known to assist with proposals, unveiling engagement rings as an unsuspecting fianc? peers through the glass. Beyond overseeing the standing exhibits, the staff also ventures outside for numerous educational programs and activities. Participants can catch crabs, fish in the surf, explore the marsh, take a paddleboarding class, or even explore the water on canoeing and kayaking outings.

The IKO-certified instructors at Kite Club Hatteras help their pupils grab hold of kites and soar above the sky-blue waters of The Outer Banks. Using the ocean as their classroom and the back of a sea turtle as their chalkboard, the boarding profs teach students how to launch, land, and master complex techniques during three levels of instruction. Aside from helping pupils gain their IKO certification, they also lead multiday events, during which kiteboarders can relax in beach houses and take lessons on becoming independent riders.

Oceanic experts at North Carolina Maritime Museum share exhibits, artifacts, and artwork documenting the history and ecology of the sea near Beaufort. Your Groupon helps support the Museum Friends Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit working to recover and display the infamous pirate Blackbeard's flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. The group aims to bring the remaining half of the shipwreck into the sunlight, preserve all the historical booty they discover, and salute the accomplishment with proud hook hands. A membership treats fans of the briny to a one-year subscription to the museum's e-newsletter, as well as invitations to members-only previews, including the Blackbeard unveiling in June, a 10% discount at the museum store, advance notice of special events, and more. Other salty exhibits include The Coastal History and Heritage display, boasting artifacts on pirates, shipwrecks, boatbuilding, the seafood industry, marine science, and the tidal properties of large grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Treat yourself to good food and drink at Arendell Room in Morehead City.
Calorie-counters won t find any low-fat fare here, so enjoy the menu and take a break from the diet.
Be sure to complete your meal at Arendell Room with a drink from the restaurant's full bar.
Both the young and the young-at-heart will dig the family-oriented menu and ambience at Arendell Room.
Looking for a good happy hour? Head to Arendell Room and treat yourself to a bite or a drink for a discounted price.
Skip long waits and head to Arendell Room with your large group for easy seating.
Enjoy the beautiful weather while you chow down — with outdoor seating, Arendell Room is a great summer destination.
Musical groups perform live at Arendell Room, so tables can perk up with some tunes.
Those with sensitive ears may want to stay away from this restaurant, though, as it can get quite loud.
If you're heading to the restaurant on a Friday or Saturday, don't get stuck in line with the rest of the crowds — reservations are accepted.
Drift away from stuffy dress-code conventions and dine in comfort at Arendell Room.
Sidle into a space on the street or park your vehicle in the adjacent lot.
Arendell Room offers outdoor bike racks for cyclists.
You can take it easy on your wallet at Arendell Room — prices are generally less than $30 per person.
Save the cash for another day and pay by major credit card at Arendell Room.

The waterscape of Pamlico Sound is so full of game fish that one might expect they'd just hop right into the boat. It's nearly true, but anglers still need a little guidance when casting lines into the shimmering waters of North Carolina's sounds and sea. Fingeance Fishing Charters provides that direction with its souped-up, 27 foot, custom-built sportfishing boat. It's outfitted with fish-catching electronics and a cobia tower that provides an excellent visual and technological advantage in locating water-breathing friends. Fully licensed Captain Joey helms the vessel, and the ship's tech allows for species-specific targeting. That means whether fishing for flounder, striper speckled trout, and redfish they'll find them. Besides fishing ventures, the team also organizes
clamming, crabbing, sightseeing, sand-dollar hunting, and sundown tours ideal for the whole family.

Fresh fare can be found at Aqua Restaurant, where patrons seek to sample every seafood dish on the menu.
Looking for low-fat, gluten-free meal options? Look no further at Aqua Restaurant.
A night out deserves a drink to celebrate, and Aqua Restaurant has the perfect selection of beer and wine to go with your meal.
The happy hour at Aqua Restaurant offers deals you won't want to miss.
On warmer days, take advantage of Aqua Restaurant's outdoor seating.
Put the suit away when heading to Aqua Restaurant — dress is casual, as are the vibes.
You can also serve food from Aqua Restaurant at your next party — the restaurant offers catering.
Aqua Restaurant is conveniently close to a parking lot.
Treating yourself doesn't mean breaking the bank, come taste the great dishes Aqua Restaurant has to offer.